Is Wheat Bad for You

These days, many people are asking an important question – Is wheat bad for you? – and there are a number of arguments on both sides.

What is Wheat?

Wheat is a globally important grass species that is primarily cultivated for its seeds, and has been a part of human nutrition for more than 10,000 years. Wheat is very high incarbohydrates, which is why it is such a staple food around the world, and it also provides a good amount of protein, albeit not complete proteins that the body requires. There are also some other nutrients and mineral provided by this grain. It is found in thousands of common food items, from crackers and cereals to bread and pasta, sauces, candies, baked goods, and snack foods. It may be one of the most common elements of our diet, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good thing.

Why is Wheat Bad for You?

Wheat can be bad for you for a number of reasons, particularly if you aren’t eating whole-wheat varieties, as it can cause the following conditions.

Wheat is very high in gluten, a compound that many people need to avoid, either due to gluten sensitivity or intolerance (Celiac disease). Due to the high carbohydrate level, eating a lot of wheat can cause your blood sugar to spike, which can also increase chronic inflammation in certain parts of the body. Wheat also contains a number of compounds, such as phytic acid, that can reduce your body’s ability to utilize and absorb nutrients. The high concentrations of dense LDL cholesterol found in wheat can also put your heart health at risk, leading to high cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis.

The lowered nutrient intake and some of the other negative effects of wheat can lead to weak bone density and greater risk ofosteoporosis. It has also been linked to increased risk of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It can also cause sugar-saturated bodies, bagel face, baldness, ticker trouble, and hallucinations.

Foods Where Wheat is Found

You can find wheat in countless different common foods aside from bread, such as the following:

Having a Wheat-Free Diet

Going on a wheat-free diet is not the same as going on a gluten-free diet, as wheat-free eaters can eat certain other grains that also contain gluten. However, going on a wheat-free diet does share many similarities with the diet for people with Celiac disease.

The simplest tips for embarking on a wheat-free diet is to cook your own meals, avoid fast foods, create your own salad dressings, and shift your diet to one with more fruits and vegetables. Packaged and prepared meals are some of the most common sources of both wheat and gluten, so conscientious shopping is essential. Also, speak with your doctor before changing your diet to ensure it is a safe choice.

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, and publisher who earned his English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Urbana (USA). He is the co-founder of a literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and calls the most beautiful places in the world his office. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.